Westmarc unveils annual Best of West winners in Glendale

Westmarc, the West Valley business coalition, Thursday night spotlighted Best of the West award winners at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel.

Individuals and groups were lauded for achievements made in western Maricopa County. Westmarc leaders targeted key areas so there were fewer categories this year.

Highlights from Best of the West judges

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John F. Long Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Max Wilson.

Why he won: A West Valley leader for more than 45 years, Wilson, a Maricopa County supervisor since 2002, is dedicated to promoting western Maricopa County and enhancing the quality of life for the region's citizens.

Background: A lifelong dedication to his country and its military personnel began when Wilson enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and then began working at Luke Air Force Base in 1963. Soon after, Wilson started his career in real estate and development. He also was vice mayor of the Litchfield City Council. As county supervisor, Wilson's focus is protection of Luke, transportation, economic development and fiscal accountability. He also is on Westmarc's board of directors and the Luke West Valley Council. He was appointed by Gov. Jan Brewer to the Homeland Security Advisory Council, representing the Central Region.

Westmarc Leadership Award

Winner: Harry Paxton, Goodyear's economic development manager.

Why he won: In his role as Westmarc's economic development committee chairman for the past three years and as an executive committee member, he was instrumental in several projects, such as the Workforce Labor Market Survey. More than 3,700 West Valley businesses were surveyed on their workforce requirements, and the data were compiled into a study and as an interactive website, where economic development professionals and developers can get an in-depth look at the West Valley

Background: He has helped with initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Tax Incentives Program, which has created hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in capital investment for the West Valley. He was a leader in creating the Greater Maricopa Foreign Trade Zone to ensure that the entire West Valley was able to use this tool.

Economic Engine

Winner: Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale.

Why it won: Banner's belief in quality medical care west of Interstate 17 was the reason for a $290 million expansion completed this year.

Background: Banner Thunderbird Medical Center opened in 1983. One of the most noticeable additions to the hospital is the new South Tower, which added 200 patient beds and a much larger emergency department. There also is a pediatric emergency department and a pediatric intensive-care unit. The center's expansion also includes a $20 million Heart and Vascular Center. The new surgical area has larger pre-op and recovery rooms, as well as four state-of-the-art operating rooms. The operating room "smart suites" have videoconferencing equipment so that medical students can tune in remotely to observe surgery.

Banner Thunderbird is Glendale's largest private employer with a staff that includes nearly 800 Glendale residents.

Excellence in Innovation

Winner: Glendale Oasis Groundwater Treatment Plant.

Why it won: Using cutting-edge technology to turn contaminated groundwater into drinking water that meets federal and state standards.

Background: Located near downtown Glendale and online since March, the Oasis plant processes 10 million gallons of water daily. This cost-effective technology uses less chemicals compared with conventional water treatment, reducing the safety concerns that come with standard chemical usage and transportation.

The Oasis Groundwater Treatment Plant and a surface-water treatment plant are located on Glendale's Oasis Water Campus which allows a blend of groundwater and surface water.

Quality of Life Enhancement

Winner: Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria.

Why it won: As one of the largest professional, not-for-profit theater companies in Maricopa County, it presents live stage productions along with learning opportunities for children and adults.

Background: The theater raised its curtain in Peoria in 2005.With a $4.6 million annual operating budget and 100-plus full- and part-time employees, the theater expects to generate $100 million in economic activity over the next decade.

Besides presenting Broadway dinner shows like "Cats," the theater offers an Academy for Young Performers, for youths ages 7-18, and a Camp Broadway program. Children can learn acting, dance, voice and staging, as well as costume, prop and set design.

Community programs also include tribute performers and a weekly after-hours live music series.